Guidance for When Your Garbage Disposal is Not Working

Garbage disposals are a convenience that we often take for granted. They enhance kitchen functionality by reducing food waste, minimizing kitchen odors, and offering a type of eco-friendly waste disposal. When your garbage disposal stops working, though, it can significantly disrupt your kitchen routine. Knowing how to address common garbage disposal issues on your own and when to call in an expert can make a big difference in keeping your kitchen running smoothly.

Common Issues with Garbage Disposals

How does a garbage disposal work? The purpose of a garbage disposal is to grind food waste into small particles, to efficiently remove food waste from your kitchen. This is accomplished with an electric motor that spins a disc that pushes waste against the walls of a grinding chamber. Running water through the disposal rinses the smaller particles through the plumbing system. When it malfunctions, there are a few common problems you might have to manage.

• Disposal Not Turning On: Sometimes you flip the switch, and it doesn’t turn on, which means a power problem. An expert technician can safely diagnose and repair the problem.
• Jammed Disposal: This can be dangerous to clear, because of the sharp blades and electrical components.
• Clogged Drain: Sometimes, the disposal is working, but it won’t drain. This can be due to a clogged drain, but sometimes trying to clear a clog can damage the disposal.
• Disposal Humming but Not Operating: This is probably the result of a jammed disposal.
• Leaking Disposal: This is a common but serious problem because it can lead to water damage and mold growth under the sink.
• Disposal Not Working Properly: If the garbage disposal simply isn’t grinding up the food waste, the blades may be too worn to function. In this case, they will need to be sharpened or replaced, which is a job for a professional.

Troubleshooting Steps for Homeowners with Garbage Disposal Trouble

Knowing how to identify the causes of these common issues is the first step in solving them.

• If your garbage disposal isn’t turning on, it is probably a power problem. This could mean that your disposal is broken or your power source is overloaded. Check the outlet to make sure the garbage disposal is plugged in, then look to see that the electrical switch on the disposal is on. If all that seems correct and the disposal is not working, plug another device into the outlet to make sure the outlet works. If it doesn’t, call an electrician.

If the outlet works and the disposal doesn’t, look for the reset button beneath the disposer, and see if the button has popped out. Push the reset button, and if it won’t stay depressed, go to your main circuit breaker and flip the kitchen switch. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s time to call a professional plumber.

• A garbage disposal that doesn’t drain is likely the result of a clogged drain. Remove any waste in the sink, leaving a few inches of water, and try using a cup plunger to clear the clog. Run the water and see if the garbage disposal drains. If that doesn’t work, disconnect the garbage disposal drain trap and check for a clog. If you can’t find an obstruction there, the problem is probably in the plumbing, and you should call a plumber.
  
  
• Humming but not turning on is usually a problem with the disposal’s flywheel. In this case, you should turn off the disposal to avoid burning out the motor. To fix the problem, turn off the power to the garbage disposal and unplug it. Using the wrench typically provided with the disposal, turn the hole at the bottom of the lower grinding chamber clockwise. If this doesn’t work, carefully use needle-nosed pliers to remove any objects in the disposal that could be causing the jam. If this works, you should be able to use the disposal again.
  
  
• If your garbage disposal is smoking, something is fried. After turning off and unplugging the disposal, remove its lower cover and look for burnt wires. If this is the problem, you can cut out the burnt or fried-looking wires and replace them. If not, the motor is probably fried, and the garbage disposal will need to be replaced.
  
  
• A leaking garbage disposal requires finding the source. Leaks can be the result of a loose fitting, a worn-out gasket, or cracks in the garbage disposal unit. Calling in an expert to quickly find the exact problem and fix it is the best way to prevent further damage.

When to Call a Professional

If you have a garbage disposal problem, it’s always a good idea to enlist the help of an expert. Plumbing professionals know how to fix a waste disposal unit and can do so safely, quickly, and efficiently. Especially if you must deal with the electrical aspects of the disposal or the blades, leave it to the experts.

Preventive Tips to Maintain Your Garbage Disposal

To keep your garbage disposal in good working order, use it properly. Never overload it with more than about a cup of food at a time, and don’t put through grease, eggshells, coffee grounds, starchy food, bones, or plastic. Always run water while you are using the disposal and keep it clean and well-maintained. One way to clean the disposal while also sharpening the blade is to put ice cubes through the disposal, grind them, and then rinse the drain. For an extra boost and a fresh scent, add citrus peels to your ice. You can also clean and descale your disposal by pouring in a cup of vinegar and letting it sit for an hour before flushing it with hot water.

Sink Disposal Not Working? Call Sewer and Drain Champion

You could learn how to fix a waste disposal unit, or you could reach out to Sewer and Drain Champion for help. Our local, family-owned plumbing company has been serving the community for nearly a decade, providing 24/7 plumbing services for residential and commercial customers. When dealing with something as important as plumbing, it is important to rely on the skills of a professional to prevent property damage and even injuries.

DIY plumbing mishaps can make problems worse, but our experienced team is knowledgeable, experienced, and equipped to handle your biggest sewer and drain challenges. We are a full-service company, and as a locally owned company, we are proud to be a part of the Sacramento community. Deeply invested in our community, we provide free estimates for all services and always give our customers fair, upfront pricing. When you need fast, friendly, reliable sewer and drain solutions, contact us through our website or fill out an online form to schedule an appointment.